Posted by Melissa Anelli

We don’t often do this on Leaky, but today, we have to take a moment to inform and comfort each other. Some of you may remember Esther Earl, in whose name many of you voted for the HP Alliance in the Chase Community Challenge (see this video for more). A 16-year-old girl with boundless courage and a thirst for life, love and friendship, Esther (whose name means “star”) was a bright light who reminded us all how important it is to connect with one another while we are able.

She had cancer, though she would be the first to tell you this was not the most defining fact of her life. Especially in the past year, Esther became an inspiration to thousands of Harry Potter fans. She encouraged everyone to be their best selves, and to pronounce feelings of love openly and loudly, while you had the chance.

Early this morning, Esther Earl, a true Gryffindor, passed away. She was a dear friend to Leaky and will be missed greatly.

Her family says: “We are convinced she is more truly alive than ever, but still our hearts are breaking.”

We know she is on her next great adventure, but also know this is difficult for those who are not. We wanted to let you know, and to offer a place for Harry fans to say something in her memory. We know it’s difficult to know what to say or do when this kind of tragedy strikes; we know the goodness in all of you will mean you want to take action, do something to comfort her friends and family. The best thing to do, today, is to send up a thought, a wish, a prayer, for those who are hurting, to the community she so touched, to her friends and family as they work through their grief. Then, live your life as fully and as joyfully as Esther did.

In the future we will have more information about ways in which we are actively honoring her. You can visit her family’s web site for more about the upcoming memorial services or just to send a note of support.

119 Responses to Esther Earl

ale-expectopatronum says: that's very sad. best of wishes to her familygeminidreamatl29 says: How very sad. she sounded like a very inspiring and positive young woman. im sure she will be truly missed. ill say a prayer for her family.Bookworm_Girl says: Rest in peace, Esther, you will be greatly missed! :(ericaeeks says: Esther.. you were an amazing friend.. I love you and I'll miss you so much and my thoughts and prayers are with your family <3 Figment says: Blessings and peace to Esther and her family.nddulac says: The true tragedy would be to miss the opportunity to be touched by Esther's message- to love one another unashamedly and unabashedly. Esther was a true example of what it means to be awesome. While her passing is sad, her life is one to be celebrated for years to come.Potions_TA says: Terribly sad, best wishes to her family. NumeroUnoFan says: Esther was so nice. Prayers out to her family. Now she can watch Deathly hallows way before any of us in heaven.Neil in Scotland says: That was beautiful, Melissa.
I didn't actually know Esther myself, but I can tell from the things I've been reading all day just how much she meant to so many people. My heart goes out to her family and friends and I hope that they can take some small comfort from knowing she is finally at peace.
Esther, may you rest in peace and be remembered with love.Moony. says: Esther Earl, she was an incredible person. She taught me so much; it's hard to believe it. Rest in peace, Esther.kiwimci says: Goodbye Esther, here's to your next great adventure, you and your family are in the thoughts of everyone here at LeakyThio says: How I envy you, Esther. You get to leave this place knowing that what you did truly make a difference. At the age of 16 you achieved what many people don't their whole lifes.
I must confess that I didn't know about you until today. But the brief glimpse of you I got from that YouTube video and all the messages people are posting all over the web tells me you were quite the character. You were inspiring, had a great sense of humor and had an awesome hair.
It's too bad your journey with us had to be so short, but what you left to all the HP fans will linger until we get to finish our own.
Thank you. Have fun on your next great adventure.palantiriel says: I knew of Esther, even though I didn't know her, I remember her webcam appearance as the HPA accepted the cheque at Infinitus, and she was so astounded and happy, and sobbed with joy along with most of us there.
I'm so sorry for all her family and friends, she seemed like an amazing person :(potterversefan says: My thoughts and prayers for comfort and peace to Esther's family! Losing a child is the most difficult thing to live thru. The more Awesome a person the greater the feelings of loss. Starlysh says: <3moglet says: She sounds like a very brave and wonderful young lady who enriched people's lives. My heart goes out to her family.Hagrid 713 says: That picture of Esther on her page holding HP book - wow - you could see the love in her eyes - Jo gave her something, as Esther gave us all something - your light burns on.ksddancer says: Many thoughts and prayers go to your family. You will be greatly missed but never forgetten. You are a great inspiration to all of us and may you rest in peace.lollifant says: She was a bright star and a true inspiration. I knew she had cancer, but never even imagined this would happen, because she always looked so happy and full of life and that's how we'll remember her.
Like Thio says: "Have fun on your next great adventure." netsrikb says: Goodbye Esther. You truly inspire everyone around you to be the best person that they could be. Thank you for being a shining light of hope. DFTBA. Have fun on your next great adventure <3tryston009 says: My thoughts and prayers go out to Esther's family. May her star shine bright forever. emdash84 says: May you rest in peace dear Esther. Here at Leaky, we'll be thinking of you and your family. God will give them the strength to carry on, and I know that you'll be watching from way up high, from a far more magical place then here. We love you.IloveDobby says: Esther is amazing<3 ripLily_Phoenix says: This is so sad. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. The fandom that you loved and did so much for will always be thankful for your work. You will be missed!Hermine321 says: <3<3<3 R.I.P Esther...AmySnow says: Goodbye Esther. You've inspired so many of us, especially today, to be better. I hope that we can all carry your memory and do great things. molly43 says: I believe she's in a better place without the pain and suffering. With the kind of person that she seemed to be, I think she is experiencing happiness to a degree that we in this life can't know. I hope that God will ease the pain of those who love and miss her. It may help to ease it by keeping something special of hers that you know she loves. I think she would want to be remembered and it could help you remember the good times when you see it. May God have mercy on your family and give you peace of mind.iButterbeer says: rest in peace, you will be greatly missed. I'm sure you are discussing Harry Potter up in heaven.daharja says: I did not know Esther personally, but I knew of her from HPAFTW. I was immediately inspired by her passion and fortitude, and went on to check out her twitter and videos. I found out that she was my age, a Harry Potter fan, and a totally awesome person, and we had a bunch of mutual friends on Facebook, so I hoped that our paths would cross at some point. I regret never having the chance to talk to her. My thoughts go out to her family. She had an impact even on those of us who didn't know her personally. After all, to the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure, and it's clear that Esther's mind was much more than organized.
-Lauriehermy007 says: My heart goes out to them, as well as my prayers. i hope this verse helps, even if you believe in it or not... "The time for my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me..."
-2 Tim 4:6-8wittywitchsteph says: So sad : (
farewell Esther, you'll live inside every HP fans' heart foreverazaadpotter says: All the best to her family.LORD BYRON says: MY THOUGHTS ......AND WAND ARE LIFTED TO YOU, EARL FAMILY!!!!!!!
BE WELL AND KNOW SHE IS WATCHING OVER YOU.taoist1 says: I hope her family can gain some comfort knowing that she is no longer sick or in pain. Deepest Sympathy. WeenyOwl says: I want to add a word of comfort from the point of view of real witches, most of whom don't believe in Heaven or Hell but do believe in reincarnation, through which we get a chance to work on any 'unfinished business' that we might have left over from this and previous lives. We also believe in the Threefold Law, which says that whatever we put out in our lives, for good or ill, inevitably comes back to us three times over - in the next life if not in this one (very similar to the concept of Karma in Eastern religions).
Based on all the great things that folks who knew Esther are saying, it sounds like she has too big a backlog of good stuff due to her to have been collected in her short lifetime. So consider the possibility that the next new baby you meet might be Esther on her next great adventure, embarking on the life full of happiness that she has apparently earned!rKrispyt says: I absolutely had no idea she wasn't doing well. This is so shocking and caught me so offguard, I can't help but cry here at my desk. So much love and prayers going out ot her family, friends, and the wonderful community she so inspired.
Oddly enough, my boss just had her baby boy this morning. Isn't it crazy how that rebirth in the face of a loss always seems to happen?
Looking forward to finding out more about honoring her and getting involved. Til then, lots of love. <3Fresca says: God bless you, and condolences to your family, Esther. I hope that cnacer will be finished once and for all soon. sindie11 says: Her family and loved ones are in my prayers. How very sad, but what a wonderful life she led, inspiring others. I know she's in heaven.ShinyPineapple says: I heard of Esther during the Chase Community Giving thing. I voted in her name. I watched her videos on youtube. She was one of the most beautiful and confident and inspiring persons i've ever heard of. I never met her, but i wanted to. She was brave, true, honest, strong... She was the reason i kept going. Because of her, i want to make a difference. She's the Gryffindor we all looked up to, she wasnt exactly one to jump off a cliff in bravery, but the way she lived was how a Gryffindor should live. To live through difficulties, adversity, problems. I'm gonna miss her. <3 Peace to her and her family. I hope she has fun on her next great adventure. ~AlicePensievePerson says: my sincere condolences for Esther and family. - love Laurahp931 says: She was such a great person. Rest in Peace Esther.
A Bahai prayer for Esther and her family:
O my God! O Thou forgiver of sins, bestower of gifts, dispeller of afflictions! Verily, I beseech Thee to forgive the sins of such as have abandoned the physical garment and have ascended to the spiritual world.
O my Lord! Purify them from trespasses, dispel their sorrows, and change their darkness* into light. Cause them to enter the garden of happiness, cleanse them with the most pure water, and grant them to behold Thy splendors on loftiest mount.
*though she had very littleCaracticus says: The light of love in the world is dimmer today... my condolences to her loved ones.sHeLbsS says: rest in peace, Esther. Continue being awesome.
<3Valeria-Johanna says: Loving thoughts to her and her family. As a Buddhist, I would agree with WeenyOwl. Esther's good actions in this life are bound to bring happiness in future lives.Gryffindor_Girl_xx says: You will be missed sincerely by all who knew you and, even though I didn't have that particular pleasure, you will remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Rest In Peace, Esther Earl ... Rest In Peace ...sessionka says: My condolences to her Family...
I send a prayer to the Lord asking him to comfort them.A Chocolate Frog says: I didn't know Esther personally, but I knew of her wonderful spirit and unending love for Nerdfighteria and the HPA. I'm so blessed to have known her in the way I did, and I'm praying for her family and friends and everyone she touched in her sixteen years. Heaven is a little bit more awesome today than it was yesterday. Thank you, Esther, for all that you taught us.azna70 says: She Inspired all Potter Fans.R.I.P.xsarahkaz says: <3 thank you esther for being such a strong and inspiring person. even though most of us never met you, you were a part of our crazy harry potter family, and for that alone we love you. but even more, you made the best of your situation and inspired everyone around you to do something amazing, and that is TRULY what a harry potter fan and true gryffindor would do.
my best wishes to all her family and friends- she was greatly loved!HPandtheDA007 says: While I never got the chance to learn more about Esther, I feel I know her more than ever. For her to have been part of this fandom/series, which centers on love,friendship, and death, is truly something. And my heart goes out to her family. Losing a child is heartbreaking. But let us keep in mind what Dumbledore once said, "the ones we love never truly leave us". RIP Esther, may you watch over your family and friends and this HP community with a smile knowing you will still be loved and missed. Valeria-Johanna says: She looked really lovely in the video.Sigourney1990 says: This is heartbreaking. My thoughts are with her family and friends <3Hermioneandthehouseelves says: my thoughts and love go out to esthers family and friends.
Much love and strength to ester on embarking on her next great adventure xxlunaisawesome says: my thoughs are with all her family and friends. she sounded amazing, and i wished i could've been lucky enough to meet her.blueangelrapture says: Esther, You showed us what it truly meant to be a gryffindor. You showed us what simply thinking positive can achieve and you brought a community together to achieve amazing things. I hope heaven treats you well. For Esther.nimbus2010 says: I didn't know of Esther until today, but she is a true Gryffindor, and I'm so sorry that she passed away. Best wishes to her family, and hope they live a full life, no matter what happened. wandmastercalum says: I'd never heard of her before until now and I already love her!! I hope her the best in her new life. Its ashame she had to go. :'( She sounded like a great harry potter fan.Matea says: wonderful post Mel. there's nothing left to say really. may she rest in peace.megash06 says: Esther u will be greatly missed rest in peace <3 jorowlinglover31 says: Esther was a great person in the Harry Potter community and she will never be forgotten. She inspired all of us as Harry Potter fans. Esther will always be remembered. <333 Noble Birth Descending says: My prayer of peace goes up for her family and close friends. Please find solice in the words of Albus Dumbledore; that those you love never really leave you.I love my Spectra Specs says: Esther, you seemed like an amazing person, even though I never new you. You'll always be remembered by us at Leaky. My thoughts and prayers are with your family <3Sindi says: Those where beautiful words by you Melissa.
Hope the best for Esther's Family, I can't even begin to imagine the pain they are feeling right now.
I admit that I didn't know about Esther until now, but just by reading what she's accomplished and how she's touched many people gets to me and makes me realize how I can be doing so myself.
I truly wish the best for you Esther, as you go on to your new big adventure. :D Sindi says: I like what Noble Birth Descending posted:
Albus Dumbledore: "those you love never really leave you."wreckoftheday says: Goodbye Esther, you will be greatly missed.inspired_by_you says: Esther was a total Tonks! Her liveliness will be missed :( samjaymc says: Here's to you Esther! God Bless xLeper says: :(april_showers says: Thank you for doing this.
Like everyone, my thoughts and prayers go out to Esther's family and friends. I didn't know her, but I know she made an huge and positive impact on those who did, and they've impacted me. She was one of us, and I feel her loss.
As Maureen Johnson decreed on twitter: Do some random act of awesomeness today for Esther.
I'm so glad to be a part of this wonderful community. I love you all. april_showers says: Thank you for doing this.
Like everyone, my thoughts and prayers go out to Esther's family and friends. I didn't know her, but I know she made an huge and positive impact on those who did, and they've impacted me. She was one of us, and I feel her loss.
As Maureen Johnson decreed on twitter: Do some random act of awesomeness today for Esther.
I'm so glad to be a part of this wonderful community. I love you all. april_showers says: Thank you for doing this.
Like everyone, my thoughts and prayers go out to Esther's family and friends. I didn't know her, but I know she made an huge and positive impact on those who did, and they've impacted me. She was one of us, and I feel her loss.
As Maureen Johnson decreed on twitter: Do some random act of awesomeness today for Esther.
I'm so glad to be a part of this wonderful community. I love you all. Parkinsonpansy says: rest in peace Esther, my thoughts go out to the family.snunkiebrian says: My thoughts are with everybody who knew and loved such a brave girl. May she rest in peace and be remembered in all our hearts.
xxxigo2pigfarts says: aww, rest in peace esther!LemonFaerie says: With love, support and prayers to Esther's friends and family. Rest in peace, Esther, and thank you for the wonderful and tremendous impact you had, and will continue to have, in making this world a better place.BlacksGirl says: Esther did all she could and more for other people through something everyone loves... she will be sorely missedGottaGetBackToHogwarts says: Though you will be greatly missed, you're passing will be a happy one.
*The last enemy to be destroyed is death*Auror Proudfoot says: Rest in peace Esther. You will forever be an inspiration to us all. My heart goes out to her family. Thank you to them for sharing such a wonderful person as Esther with all of us.literarynerd says: Esther will live long in our hearts. We will forever remember the awesomeness that was, is, and will always be, Esther.sheritips says: How very sad for all her beloved family and friends. Take comfort in knowing she is better and more alive now then she was and as you say she is on her next great adventure. God BlessHermione Elizabeth says: My thoughts and prayers to Esther and her family. <3vicki_the_house_elf says: I had never heard of her before now (having only learnt about the HPA in the last few months), but from Melissa's beautiful and touching words, Esther sounded like an incredible and kind young woman. Though she wasn't on this earth for very long, she obviously had a very big impact on a lot of people. She may be gone, but i am certain that she won't be forgotten, and i hope everyones kind words are a comfort to her family and friends. My deepest condolences to them. xx
"After all, to the well-organised mind, death is but the next great adventure"
"The ones that love us never really leave us"WON_TWO says: We are each and every one of us diminished by her passing. Rest in peace Esther...fireboltmasterbk says: good luck Esther beyond the vail. Aga Veneficus says: :'(iamminerva says: I did not know her but we had at least one thing in common...Harry Potter. Rest in peace, dear girl. My deepest sympathies to her family and friends. violetpotter says: esther was such and inspiration. i was lucky enough to be present at infinitus during the webchat, and i remember how happy she was. i know the fandom will miss her enthusiasm and love. blessing to her family and friends.lunalovegood13 says: She makes me proud to be an Esther. CatAlly says: Rest in peace, Esther. I hope you find happiness in Heaven with all the angels and saints.
We will all miss you deeply, each and everyone.LunaLupinTonks says: With Esther.magicmaniac says: so sorry and sad!!! she seemed like a great person whats gonna happen to her account? my thoughts are with her familyGryffindor12 says: :'(blackhair says: My deepest condolence to her Family. May her soul rest in peace blackhair says: 16 is so youngOwling says: :( I'm so sorry to hear that. Condolences to her family and friends. I never knew her, but it sounds like she was a truly inspiring, lively and awesome person. Rest in peace, Esther Earl! Katnordy5 says: Esther your light shined on us for such a short time but oh so very brightly. Chelsea O says: RIP Esther <3acciohorcrux.hbp says: Esther...she went to the adventure with Fred,Mad-Eye,James,Lily,Snape,Padfoot,Moony,Hedwig,Dobby n sooo many true Hogwartans n wizards.... :)and I think it was the dream of Esther...
and u'll always be there with us dear...to inspire, motivate n look upto whenever we feel down...!!!
Fleur-de- Lily says: Many thoughts and prayers go to your family. You will be greatly missed but never forgetten. You are a great inspiration to all of us and may you rest in peace.CDR says: Rest in peace,Esther.Roxy24 says: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZkdM1NPF8sGinevras says: My thoughts are with Esther's family and friends.
Rest in Peace Esther.eccentricalice says: What a truly amazing and inspiring young girl. My thoughts are with her family and friends.hermionenluna says: I didn't know about you until today, but I think we would have been the best of friends. You are amazing, and we will miss you :) Jordon steele-john says: Rest in peace and be happy, have fun in the next great adventure :)beallgood01 says: The brightest lights are extinguished far too early.LoveTomRiddle says: Ester will be greatly missed. She is such a sweet girl. I was so touched when she spoke to so many people at Infinitus when the HPA received the check. Ester is truly full of awesomeness and RIA (Rest in Awesome) Ester. :(Scylla says: Esther was one of those people that I felt like I knew, even though I didn't. I send love - so much love - to her family.
We will always remember Esther. May she rest in peace.Giant Squid says: Esther thank you for all you did! RIP!Kiralay says: I hadn't heard much about Esther due to my lack of activity recently, but she sounds like a marvelous person. :( Thank you Esther.Mr. Brightside says: I didn't know about Esther till i read this but she mut have been an amazing person. You may rest in peace young witch.GinnyW. says: May you rest in peace, Esther.
Best wishes to her family and friends.GinnyW. says: May you rest in peace, Esther.
Best wishes to her family and friends.GinnyW. says: May you rest in peace, Esther.
Best wishes to her family and friends.eruanna317 says: I only knew Esther for a short time, but I was blown away immediately by her huge spirit. It's such an enormous loss to the world, having her gone. We know you're on your next great adventure, and yet already we miss you. Rest in Awesome. As long as we're alive your star won't ever go out.gingersnap188 says: Goodbye Ester, rest in peace. You have taught me a lot and I will never forget you. that granger girl says: Peace be with Esther, Her legacy will live on, in the hearts of all of those who help create and join The Harry Potter Fandomliterarynerd says: Rest in awesome Esther. <3Delilah3136 says: I never knew of her until today, which sucks because she sounds wonderful! <3 Best wishes to the family, my prayers are with them.